Locus is an interesting, eclectic place on Main and King Ed. I've rarely been so of two minds when considering a bar. I guess the only thing to do is go over what's on offer, and see how it adds up.
Right away, you notice Locus is going for a nouveau, socially-conscious, hip vibe. The room is deliberately weird. A large bar dominates the centre of the room, with tables around it. Additional tables are placed around nooks and crannies of what look like opened-up walls. It seems designed to create intimacy, but comes across as a little claustrophobic. The eccentric nature of the place is further accented by dead trees made of wrought iron, and bathrooms designed to look like ancient caves. Weird is by no means a bad thing, I'm a fan of unusual design, but Locus is definitely a product of some unusual decisions.
Locus prides itself on being part of the local, organic food movement. That's something I'm also a fan of. Locally produced food tends to be the good stuff. The downside of local, organic food, is that it's not cheap. It means the menu is a bit on the expensive side, and is rather limited. The food was good, but I wasn't by any means wowed.
The drinks list I have high praise for. A great selection of rotating, local microbrews. Ones that aren't often seen outside of specialty liquor stores. I took far too much enjoyment from the availability of Phillips Ginger Beer, a favourite of mine that I nearly always have to get in bottles. Beyond beer there's a varied wine list, lots of cocktails, scotch, and even shots. No shortage of whistle wetting here.
I think the issue with Locus, is that it has trouble deciding what it wants to be. Is it a weird, hippie place? Or is it a high quality restaurant? Is it a place to get loaded with your friends? Or is it better for intimate occasions? It's trying to be everything and spreading itself a bit thin. That being said, I'm always in favour of something unique. You could do worse than to stick your head in the door and decide what it is for yourself.
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